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Pioneer - CUNNINGHAM, Hugh
Biographical Sketches of
Early Settlers of Wellington County
Information from: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario.
Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906
|
CUNNINGHAM, Hugh
(d.), was b. Paisley, Scot., and d. in 1887, age 81. He was a shoemaker by
trade in Scot., and came to Canada in 1836, and worked at his trade in Montreal
for two years, and in Toronto for six years. Having heard of the Huron Tract,
which was controlled by the Canada Company, he decided to locate there, and in
1844 went to Downie Tp., and purchased 100 acres, lot 19, con. 12, where he
set. and experienced all the hardships incidental to pioneer life on a bush
farm. His habits of thrift, formed in his earlier days, stood him in good
stead, and after farming for over thirty years, he was able to retire to St.
Mary's, where he spent his remaining days. He was always connected with
enterprises which tended to the advancement of his township, and was the
promoter and establisher of the first school in his section. In this work he
had to overcome the objections of several of the supposed leaders of the
township, and the high esteem in which he was held by everyone is evidenced by
the thanks that he later received from the residents of that township. His
sound judgment in matters private and public resulted in a demand for his
services as arbitrator in controversies in the section, and it can be said to
his credit that wherever possible these were settled peacefully, without
resorting to law. He was a Presbyterian, and a Liberal. He m. Elizabeth Barber
in Scot., who d. in 1894, age 85. Issue: John (d.), Mrs. Alex, Hyde, Stratford;
Mrs. R. Patterson (d.), Elizabeth (d.), Hugh, Mrs. Robt. Laing (d.), Adam (d.),
Mrs. J. Capling, Mrs. Thomas Gordon and Mrs. David Gibb, St. Mary's; Mrs.
Dawson (d.), and Christina (d.).
Hugh, b. Yonge St., Toronto, in 1838, and went with his parents to Downie when six years of age. He worked at home until be was twenty-two years of age, when he received 50 acres, half of homestead, which he farmed for eight years. This he sold in 1868, and he purchased a farm where the C. P. R. Station now stands in Wroxeter. After remaining there seven years, he sold his property and farmed for one year in Turnberry Tp., then for seven years near Molesworth, Grey Tp. In 1883 he came to Maryborough and purchased 272 acres, lot 17, and west half of lot 18, con. 6. Here he farmed until 1900, when he retired to Drayton, where he now lives. Mr. Cunningham has been one of the most successful farmers in the Province, starting in a log shanty on 50 acres in Downie Tp., where in his earlier days he drew lose for the first schoolhouse which his father organized with such difficulty, and at the time of his retirement owning 300 acres of the best land in the township. From this small beginning, by his industry, thrift and perseverance, coupled with his enviable reputation for integrity, as well as upright dealings, he managed to accumulate a large property, as well as give all of his family a good start in life. He is a Presbyterian, and a staunch Liberal. In 1861 he m. Margaret Scott, who is living, age 64. Issue: Hugh, Jr., Grey Co.; Alexander (d), Mrs. James Collison, Moorefield; John, at Hollin; Mrs. Herbert Greenwood, Owen Sound; James, Hollin; Margaret, milliner, at home; Adam, Hollin; Jessie, at home; Gordon, Areola, Sask.; and Roy, in Indian Head. John, b. Downie Tp., 1868, was 15 years of age when he came to Maryborough with his parents. He owns and operates part of the homestead, 172 acres, lot 17 and 18, con. 6, where he carries on mixed farming. He inherits all of the integrity and perseverance of his father. With his shrewdness and ability, he has combined modern business methods, and is to-day one of the most successful young farmers in the township. He is a Presbyterian, and a Liberal. In 1890, he m. Ella Cosford. Issue: Mary E., Gordon C. (d. inf.), Hugh O., John M., and Alexander S. Adam, b. Grey Tp., 1877, was six years old when be came to Maryborough Tp. He now owns and operates 100 acres, the west half of lot 17, con. 6, a part of the old homestead, where he carries on mixed farming. He is a man of integrity and business ability; up-to-date in his methods of farming, and among the most respected and prosperous citizens of the township. In politics he is a Liberal, and he's on the Board of Managers of the Presbyterian church at Hollin. He m. Isabella B., dau. of Alexander Robb, of Maryborough. James, owns and operates 95 acres, lot 17, con. 5, Peel. From: Historical Atlas of the County of Wellington, Ontario. Toronto: Historical Atlas Publishing Co., 1906 |
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